Words, Wine & Wags Book Signing to benefit The Puppy Mill Project

If you love wine, dogs and a good book, mark your calendar for Words, Wine & Wags at Birdie McKenna's in Highwood on Saturday, November 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. The book reading and wine tasting features author Teresa Rhyne and wine connoisseur Chris Kern and benefits The Puppy Mill Project.

Rhyne, author of The Dog Lived (And So Will I), will be on hand for her only Chicago appearance of her book tour. She'll be reading from her book that tells the heartwarming tale of how her incorrigible rescue dog Seamus came into her life when she most needed him, beat canine cancer and then inspired her during her own cancer battle.

"I'm thrilled to be headed to the Chicago area to help support and raise funds for a cause as important as The Puppy Mill Project," says Rhyne. "My Seamus (the Famous!) is living proof of the wonderful pets available for adoption through rescue centers. There is simply no reason for the cruelty of puppy mills."

Kern, the Wine Guy from The Forgotten Grape and "America's Uncommon Wine Expert," will be on hand as well for a wine tasting. He will present and pour a special dog-themed wine tasting from "Cru Vin Dogs" wine group.

"We are really excited to have Teresa's and Chris' support for The Puppy Mill Project," says Cari Meyers, founder of the organization. "So many of us are inspired everyday by our rescued pets and can truly relate to the lessons they've taught us to help us get through life."

Rhyne is a long-time animal advocate and has been active on the board at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in Southern California, where she adopted Seamus. She selected The Puppy Mill Project as the charity to benefit from her local appearance.

A local bookseller will be on hand to sell copies of The Dog Lived (and So Will I). Admission will be limited to 75 and tickets are $30 and include the wine tasting and pub grub. Tickets are available online.

Proceeds of the event benefit The Puppy Mill Project's Education and Youth Outreach Program. Founded in September of 2009, The Puppy Mill Project is a Chicago-based advocacy group whose mission is to educate the public and raise awareness about puppy mills and their direct connection to pet stores, Internet sites and newspaper ads that sell dogs.